With Valentine’s Day looming, let’s spare a thought for the most “unloved” dogs in the RSPCA’s care. In general, it takes a cat, dog or rabbit in the care of the RSPCA 39 days to find a new home – but for some unfortunate animals, it takes longer. And sometimes, it seems, their breed has a bearing on the length of their stay at a shelter.
Analysing the data, the charity has found that American Bulldogs are the breed most likely to spend the longest time waiting for their forever home. 66 days is the average length of time and American Bulldog spends at the RSPCA.
Here’s a table showing some of the other breeds who tend to spend a long time waiting for their second chance.
| Breed | Number looking for homes (2014/5/6) | Average no. of days to find a home |
| 1. American Bulldog | 47 | 66.07 |
| 2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross | 452 | 60.43 |
| 3. Husky | 48 | 59.85 |
| 4. Rottweiler | 64 | 57.24 |
| 5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 903 | 54.75 |
| 6. Rottweiler cross | 45 | 53.84 |
| 7. German Shepherd cross | 77 | 51.76 |
| 8. Collie (smooth coat) cross | 52 | 50.79 |
| 9. Mastiff | 43 | 46.75 |
| 10. Crossbreed | 815 | 46.12 |
By comparison, Cocker Spaniels wait just 13 days to find love again, and Shih Tzus take only 14 days for someone to snap them up.
Dr Samantha Gaines, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “The staff who care for our animals day in and day out know just how loveable each and every one is and how different they are from one another but we do find that some breeds and colours take longer to find their perfect match.
“This is probably due to a combination of reasons. For example, size or beliefs about particular breeds and types can stop people from even considering the possibility of adopting an American Bulldog or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. And with so many of the same type of dog in our care or cats with the same coat colour, it can be difficult for individuals to stand out from the crowd despite their great potential. Sadly in some cases, animals are overlooked just because of how they look.
“We would urge anyone looking for a pet to do their research especially as the reputation of a particular breed or type is often undeserved. They should find out if they are a good match for that particular animal to see if they can offer them a loving home.”
Here are some of the dogs currently hoping for someone to notice them and give them a loving permanent home.
Jess
Nine-year-old Staffy cross Jess is waiting at RSPCA Great Ayton in Middlesbrough for her perfect family. She has been at the centre since last August but has been overlooked for almost two hundred days while her kennel companions find new homes. Jess likes to be a lap dog and is definitely a favourite with all the staff and volunteers.
Jess has a birth defect on her legs, however she copes really well. She was rescued by RSPCA inspectors after her owner abandoned her and another dog. Jess was very overweight so had to go on a diet and exercise plan. She loves the company of people although her new owners will need to be aware she has mild arthritis in her back legs and will eventually need to go on long term pain relief. Jess cannot live with cats as she chases them and would prefer not to live with small children as they worry her.
Daisy and Blue
Daisy and Blue are mother and son and have been looking for a home together at Ashley Heath rehoming centre in Dorset since May 2016. They will require an adult only home as they can be very nervous and worried.
In the past Daisy has suffered with an ear infection and has had a couple of episodes of a breakout in hives.
Both dogs are friendly but are unsure of new situations and surroundings. They will need to have room to have their own space.
Blue is more worried than Daisy but is a lot happier with his mum by his side. Both dogs are very food orientated and this is extremely helpful when using reward based training techniques.
Both dogs get on well with other dogs on lead, off lead Daisy can be a little excited in play.
Tyson
Tyson has been at RSPCA Blackberry Farm in Aylesbury since May 2016. Tyson is a five-year-old Rottweiler cross who came into the RSPCA after concerns for his welfare. He came into the charity's care with one eye. Poor Tyson did have a couple of health issues when he came in to us but now has seen the vet and is all back to good health and ready to find his forever home. New owners will need to speak to our vet so that they understand the issues he has had. He is also a bit on the chunky side and needs to stick to a strict diet. Tyson cannot live with cats as he will chase them. He could live with older children and could possibly live with a calm female dog however Tyson is extremely food oriented so they would probably have to be fed separately.
Although he is a slightly older dog, he can’t wait for a new loving family to sweep him off his feet and give him a nice warm loving home to spend the rest of his days!
Tyson would be fine to be left for a few hours and may need to be reintroduced to house training however he is extremely clean in his kennel so it is likely he has been house trained in the past.
You can see all the animals being cared for by the RSPCA at www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
You can support the RSPCA by texting LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message) or by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give